Surf the skies to Duke’s OceanFest with Hawaiian Airlines

The shores of Waikiki will be action-packed from 17 August, with the week-long celebrations of the seventh annual Duke’s OceanFest surf carnival.

Hawaiian Airlines and Freestyle Holidays will take you to the heart of the action, with the new “DukeFest” package starting from AUD $1485 per person, plus taxes of approximately $385, from Sydney.

For passengers flying from Melbourne or Brisbane, fares are an additional $140 per person, plus domestic taxes. If you book and pay before 27 June 2008, you will save $124 per person off the package price!

This package includes return economy airfares and six nights accommodation at the 3.5 star Wyland Waikiki, a recently renovated property and the newest addition to the Outrigger Hotels collection in Hawaii.

Additional nights at the Wyland Waikiki start from $132 per person, per night, with upgrades start from just $6 at the four-star Ala Moana Hotel and from $77 at the 4.5 star Outrigger Waikiki on the beach.

“The ocean is an integral part of the Hawaiian culture and Duke’s OceanFest celebrates this,” said Sherilyn Robinson, Sales and Marketing Manager Australia for Hawaiian Airlines.

“Duke’s OceanFest is one of the most popular annual events in Hawaii, featuring an array of ocean-sport events from traditional stand-up paddle surfing to acrobatic tandem surfing,” said Ms Robinson”.

Other activities include a beach volleyball competition, a celebration Luau, a relay challenge, a water polo tournament, the Ocean Mile Swim, canoe race and various surf competitions including the Legends Surf Classic.

Duke’s OceanFest is a celebration of a water sports tradition inspired by the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, a true legend who gained worldwide exposure for Hawaii through a six Olympic gold medal win.

The week-long event aims to raise funds for the not-for-profit Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation which financially supports individuals and organisations that carry on the spirit of Duke by providing college scholarships and athletic grant programs.

The Duke’s Oceanfest package must be booked and paid by 10 August and is valid for departure on 20 August 2008. Seats are limited and some conditions apply. Taxes of approximately AUD $385 are correct at 14 May, but can change without notice.

Hawaiian Airlines offers three weekly nonstop flights from Sydney to Honolulu, and connecting service with Virgin Blue from 19 other Australian destinations. The airline also offers more flights between the islands of Hawaii than any other carrier, with more than 100 daily services.

For more information about Duke’s OceanFest visit www.dukefoundation.org. To make a booking call Freestyle Holidays on 1300 880 268 or visit your preferred travel agent. For more information about Hawaiian Airlines, visit www.hawaiianair.com.au.